Children's Weight Loss Camps
Weight Loss Study Aim
To investigate the change in body image, self-esteem, and worries in obese
adolescents attending a residential, weight-loss camp.
Weight Loss Study Subjects
A total of 57 obese adolescents
Weight Loss Study Measurements
Self-esteem, salience of weight-related issues, body shape preference,
weight and height at the start, and end of the weight-loss camp (mean
stay: 4 weeks).
Weight Loss Study Results
The obese adolescents lost 5.6 kg, reduced their BMI by 2.1 kg/m2, and
BMI s.d. score by 0.28 while comparison children gained weight. Body shape
dissatisfaction significantly decreased and self-esteem increased on measures
of global self-worth, athletic competence, and physical appearance, in
the camp attendees. This improvement took place without any exacerbation
of existing worries about appearance or weight.
Weight Loss Study Conclusion
While obese adolescents had lower self-worth and greater body dissatisfaction
relative to the comparison children at the start of the camp, the intervention
improved their psychological state. Greater weight loss was associated
with greater psychological improvement, indicating the value of the intervention
and the relevance of psychological change in effective treatment.
Source: International Journal of Obesity
(2003)
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